6 People You'll Come Across in the Music Business That You Should Avoid at All Costs

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One of the best (and worst) things about the music biz is the characters you'll meet. There are plenty of them, many of which are caricatures. Some will entertain you fully; others will grate on every last one of your nerves. But some, like these six types of people, you'll want to avoid, despite the humor they supply.

1. The name dropper

Name droppers do just that. They "know" everyone and are vocal about saying they know everyone. The funny thing is, the names they drop don't always know them. It's a way of seeming important and seeking validation by claiming to "know" big names when all the name dropper really knows… is the moniker.

2. The guy who made that one person famous

These types coast on past successes. They very well may have been part of the team that made [insert name here] famous. But when they're constantly referencing things that happened 25 years ago that aren't relevant today, it's time to move right along and steer clear.

3. The too-old-school-for-his-own-good guy who uses outdated terms like "cool cats"

This guy is out of touch but thinks he's still with it and a "groovy cool cat" by using terms like that. He's generally harmless, but he can get annoying using that outdated vernac!

4. The bitter former musician

A lot of music industry folks were once musicians who've since changed gears. Some were successful as artists. Some failed. Regardless of whether they succeeded or not, many are gracious and impart wisdom from life in a band into the current gig. Others are bitter and make that very obvious. It's that passive aggressive, "I-know-better-because-I-did-it" attitude that makes this type one to avoid.

5. The punisher

This is the guy who does not give up – be it a writer, a band dude, an industry dude, whatever. He's the one who's constantly hitting you up for something. For a writing gig. For a write-up. For a hookup. He doesn't stop hounding. He also quickly makes himself a nuisance, like a dog that has a death grip on your pant leg that you can't shake off no matter what.

6. The technology hater

There are super old-school types who don't like downloadable or streaming music and/or media and refuse to give up CDs. They can't get with the now and constantly remind you that they don't like digital files or formats. While one can respect that stance, it's not practical, with it, or modern. You have to evolve and adapt.

Most of these types are nuisances and annoying. Dealing with them can be taxing, so it's best to be polite, tread lightly, and move right along, avoiding any deeper dives into conversation or dealings if their agenda doesn't line up with your own.

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Amy Sciarretto has 20 years of print and online bylines, from Kerrang to Spin.com to Revolver toBustle, covering music, beauty, and fashion. After 12 years doing radio and publicity at Roadrunner Records, she now fronts Atom Splitter PR, her own boutique PR firm, which has over 30 clients. She also is active in animal charity and rescue.